The Brygge Overpass

In the summer of 2006 Copenhagen had its first new bridge across the harbour for 50 years. The bridge is reserved for cyclists and pedestrians only, giving them a much needed short cut between Vesterbro and Islands Brygge. The bridge is five and a half metres wide and characterized by architectural simplicity. A steel structure is stretched in a gentle arc between the two harbour piers, possibly reminiscent of a spinal column, and the bridge is able to open for passing ships by having one of the spans swing to one side. At night-time the light fittings in the bridge railings form a luminous ribbon right across the harbour.